Contrary to the predictions set out in traditional realist literature, small European states have made sizeable military contributions and demonstrated significant risk-willingness in US- and NATO...Show moreContrary to the predictions set out in traditional realist literature, small European states have made sizeable military contributions and demonstrated significant risk-willingness in US- and NATO-led missions in Kosovo, Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya, and Syria. The small state literature has cautiously recognized status as an important explanatory factor of such disproportionate contributions. So far, however, it has hardly been explored how status motivations lead to contribution outcomes. Building on these recent advances, this thesis aims to deepen the understanding of the drivers behind status-seeking. Using the case of the Netherlands’ contribution to ISAF, Task Force Uruzgan (2006-2010), this research demonstrates how small state contributions can be the result of an assessment of potential non-material gains in the form of reputation and status, as well as concerns surrounding the loss of these benefits. This differs from current knowledge, as it suggests that small states are driven by more than just ‘positive’ status incitements.Show less
The ever-growing Chinese economy and military have been viewed with suspicion by Western academics. One of the main questions that rises from China’s increasing power is how and if it will change...Show moreThe ever-growing Chinese economy and military have been viewed with suspicion by Western academics. One of the main questions that rises from China’s increasing power is how and if it will change the world order. When Xi Jinping became president of the People’s Republic in 2013, a new era began. Xi incorporates many historical narratives in his speeches to explain his views on the international system. This paper inquires the fifteen speeches of Xi Jinping, held between 2012 and 2020. The theoretical framework for this research is Zhao Tingyang’s neo-tianxa. The methodology that has been used is the macro critical political discourse analysis. The systematic application on Xi Jinping’s speeches revealed that the Chinese concept of neo-tianxia gives interesting insights in how Xi Jinping sees the world. Furthermore, this thesis goes beyond the East-West thinking that often can be found in the Western IR field.Show less
This thesis analyses the 2015 European Refugee crisis through a holistic approach. Through a comparative case study of Italy's operation Mare Nostrum and Frontex led Operation Triton, this thesis...Show moreThis thesis analyses the 2015 European Refugee crisis through a holistic approach. Through a comparative case study of Italy's operation Mare Nostrum and Frontex led Operation Triton, this thesis seeks to highlight the underlying processes involved in taking action in emergencies. This will be done through an interdisciplinary approach, by using Latané and Darley's (1970) socio-psychological model of the Unresponsive Bystander. Through this model, it becomes then possible to analyse why in certain circumstances emergencies are more addresses in humanitarian terms and sometimes more through a securitised approach.Show less
There are many forms and types of culture - violent cultures, peaceful ones, democracy, authoritarian, civilian and military orientated ones among many more. This paper will pay attention to German...Show moreThere are many forms and types of culture - violent cultures, peaceful ones, democracy, authoritarian, civilian and military orientated ones among many more. This paper will pay attention to German military culture and how it shifted from an aggressive culture to a pacifistic one to a ‘defensive’ military culture since the 1990s. In particular, the text will focus on changes in recent time, studying the political incentives in the 1990s. Upon it, a new case study will be made looking at the 2010s and how the new White Papers in 2006 and 2016 have changed the official military culture.Show less
